Mavericks’ P.J. Washington Suffers Another Setback with Ankle Soreness
Just three days ago, Jason Kidd expressed a high level of concern for P.J. Washington’s ankle injury, which had caused him to miss four of the last seven games. However, Washington’s return to the lineup was short-lived as he reaggravated the injury, leaving his status for Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings in flux.
Washington returned to the lineup with a playing restriction of 25 to 30 minutes, but he only lasted 15 minutes before leaving the game with right ankle soreness. He finished with just four points and five rebounds before checking out of the game with 9:17 left in the third quarter.
The Mavericks’ struggling to stay healthy is a recurring theme, with Washington joining the list of injured players that includes Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and Caleb Martin, who has yet to make his debut. The team’s woes continued with a blowout loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, making it difficult to stay competitive.
"We’re just trying to get as healthy as we can, come back when we can, and then we’ll rock with whoever’s in the lineup," said Kyrie Irving.
When asked if he felt like he came back from his ankle sprain too early, Washington replied, "It probably was too early, but I feel like I’ll get better. I’m not really worried about it at all. Just gotta get it re-evaluated and go from there."
The Mavericks will need to re-evaluate Washington’s status as they prepare for their next game against the Kings. Davis, Lively, and Gafford are expected to be re-evaluated on Thursday, which immediately follows Wednesday’s rematch against the Bucks in Milwaukee.
Washington first suffered an injury to his right ankle on February 8, a game that symbolized the team’s potential when healthy, with Davis dominating in his 30-minute stretch before sustaining an adductor strain. He returned to the lineup on February 21, scoring 24 points and grabbing seven rebounds, but the Mavericks lost their next two games to the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. In their loss to the Lakers, Washington was scoreless but grabbed 10 rebounds.
The timing of Washington’s setback is unfortunate, but he expressed optimism about his recovery. "I’ll get better. I’m not really worried about it at all. Just gotta get it re-evaluated and go from there."
Given the circumstances of his ankle soreness, the Mavericks may opt to keep Washington sidelined until he’s able to play without pain.
FAQs
Q: What is P.J. Washington’s current status?
A: Washington’s status for Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings is in flux due to his ankle soreness.
Q: When will Davis, Lively, and Gafford be re-evaluated?
A: They will be re-evaluated on Thursday, immediately following Wednesday’s rematch against the Bucks in Milwaukee.
Q: How has P.J. Washington’s ankle injury affected the Mavericks’ performance?
A: The team has struggled to stay healthy, with Washington joining the list of injured players, including Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and Caleb Martin, who has yet to make his debut.
Q: What is the current roster situation for the Mavericks?
A: The team is already wounded without Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and Caleb Martin, who has yet to make his debut.
